Growing Chives in Santa Cruz: The Easiest Perennial Herb for Your Garden

Grow Guides
Written By Adrienne Gaughan

If you're looking for an herb that truly earns its garden space, chives deserve a spot at the top of your list. These unassuming clumps of hollow, grass-like leaves deliver mild onion flavor to your kitchen, beautiful purple flowers to your landscape, pest-deterring benefits to your vegetables, and pollinator support to your garden ecosystem, all while asking almost nothing in return.

Unlike many herbs that demand specific conditions, chives adapt to nearly any situation Santa Cruz County can offer. Coastal fog? They're fine. Inland heat? Still fine. Partial shade under a fruit tree? They'll grow there too. Heavy clay soil? They'll manage. Chives are the kind of plant that makes gardeners look good without requiring much actual gardening skill.

This guide covers everything you need to know to grow chives successfully in Santa Cruz County, from choosing the right variety to maximizing harvests and using these versatile alliums as hardworking companion plants throughout your garden.

Why Chives Thrive in Santa Cruz County

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are native to temperate regions across Europe, Asia, and North America. They evolved to handle a wide range of conditions, which is why they adapt so readily to Santa Cruz County's varied microclimates.

According to UC ANR, chives are among the most adaptable alliums, tolerating conditions that would stress onions or garlic. They handle our dry summers better than you'd expect for a plant that appreciates regular moisture, bounce back after frost in mountain areas, and don't bolt in heat the way cilantro or lettuce do.

Santa Cruz advantages for chives:

  • Year-round production: Our mild winters mean chives keep producing leaves when gardens in colder regions go dormant. Even in Felton or Boulder Creek, chives rarely die back completely.

  • Microclimate flexibility: Unlike Mediterranean herbs that need full sun and perfect drainage, or basil that demands heat, chives perform well across all Santa Cruz microclimates.

  • Natural pest control: Chives' mild onion scent helps mask vegetables from pests, making them valuable companion plants, a significant benefit given our year-round pest pressure.

  • Pollinator support: Chive flowers bloom in late spring when many native pollinators are active, providing an important nectar source.

Common Chives vs. Garlic Chives: Know the Difference

Two main types of chives are grown in home gardens, and understanding their differences helps you choose the right one (or grow both).

Common Chives vs. Garlic Chives
Which Type is Right for Your Santa Cruz Garden?
Feature Common Chives Garlic Chives
Botanical Name Allium schoenoprasum Allium tuberosum
Also Called Onion chives, common chives Chinese chives, Oriental chives, Nira
Flavor Mild onion
Delicate, slightly sweet		 Mild garlic
Subtle garlic, slightly pungent
Leaf Shape Hollow tubes
Round, grass-like, thin		 Flat & solid
Broader, strap-like leaves
Plant Height 6-12 inches 12-18 inches (taller)
Flowers Purple-pink pompoms
Globe-shaped, late spring		 White stars
Star-shaped, mid-late summer
Bloom Time Late spring (April-May) Mid-late summer (July-Sept)
Spreading Gentle
Clumps expand slowly		 Aggressive
Self-seeds prolifically!
Containment Needed? No - stays in clumps Yes! Remove flowers before seeds form, or grow in containers
Drought Tolerance Moderate (once established) Better (more drought-tolerant)
Shade Tolerance Good (4-6 hrs sun OK) Good (4-6 hrs sun OK)
Best Culinary Uses Baked potatoes, cream cheese, omelets, soups, salads, garnishes Stir-fries, dumplings, Asian dishes, egg dishes, anywhere you want mild garlic
Flower Uses Salads, garnishes, chive blossom vinegar Flower buds are a delicacy in Chinese cooking; open flowers edible too
Availability Widely available
Most nurseries carry these		 Less common
Asian markets, specialty nurseries, or grow from seed
Best For Beginners, ornamental use, European/American cooking Asian cooking enthusiasts, garlic lovers, drought-prone gardens
Choose Common Chives If...
You want the classic chive experience, love those purple spring flowers, prefer a well-behaved plant that stays put, or use chives mostly in Western cooking.
Choose Garlic Chives If...
You cook a lot of Asian cuisine, prefer garlic over onion flavor, have a drier garden spot, or don't mind managing self-seeding (or want free plants!).
Why Not Both? Many Santa Cruz gardeners grow both types. Plant common chives in visible spots where you'll enjoy the spring flowers, and tuck garlic chives in a contained area (or pot) where their spreading habit won't cause problems. You'll have onion flavor AND garlic flavor year-round.
Based on: UC ANR, Oregon State Extension, Kitazawa Seed Co.

Common Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

The classic chive, with hollow, tubular leaves and a mild onion flavor. Common chives produce round purple-pink flower heads in late spring that are as ornamental as they are edible.

Characteristics:

  • Hollow, grass-like leaves (6 to 12 inches tall)

  • Mild onion flavor

  • Purple-pink globe-shaped flowers (late spring)

  • Forms tight clumps that expand gradually

  • Prefers consistent moisture

Best uses: Baked potatoes, cream cheese, omelets, salads, soups, any dish where you want subtle onion flavor without the bite of raw onions.

Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)

Also called Chinese chives, these have flat, broader leaves with a mild garlic flavor instead of onion. The white, star-shaped flowers bloom later (mid to late summer) and have a pleasant fragrance.

Characteristics:

  • Flat, solid leaves (12 to 18 inches tall)

  • Mild garlic flavor

  • White star-shaped flowers (summer)

  • Spreads more aggressively than common chives

  • More drought-tolerant once established

Best uses: Asian stir-fries, dumplings, egg dishes, anywhere you want gentle garlic flavor. The flower buds are a delicacy in Chinese cooking.

Important difference: Garlic chives self-seed more aggressively than common chives. If you don't want them spreading throughout your garden, remove flowers before they set seed, or grow them in containers.

Other Chive Varieties

Giant Siberian Chives: Larger plants (up to 2 feet) with more robust onion flavor. Good choice if you want bigger harvests from fewer plants.

Fine-Leaved Chives: More delicate appearance with thinner leaves. Good for containers and windowsills.

Curled Chives: Decorative variety with twisted, curly leaves. More ornamental than culinary.

For most Santa Cruz gardeners, common chives are the best starting point. They're widely available, reliably productive, and their flowers are particularly attractive to pollinators.

Growing Chives by Santa Cruz Microclimate

Unlike many herbs that perform dramatically differently across Santa Cruz County's microclimates, chives are remarkably consistent. Still, a few adjustments optimize their performance in different areas.

Coastal Areas (Aptos, Capitola, Live Oak, Santa Cruz)

Chives love coastal conditions. Regular fog provides moisture, mild temperatures prevent stress, and the cooler weather extends the harvest season. Coastal chives often look their best in summer when inland plants show heat stress.

Coastal tips:

  • Full sun is fine; no afternoon shade needed

  • Watch for slugs in foggy, moist conditions

  • Excellent companion for coastal vegetable gardens where pest pressure is constant

Inland Valleys (Scotts Valley, Soquel, Watsonville)

Warmer temperatures mean faster growth but also more water needs. Chives perform well in inland gardens with regular irrigation.

Inland tips:

  • Afternoon shade helps during heat waves but isn't essential

  • Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture

  • May go semi-dormant (stop producing new leaves) during extreme heat; they'll recover when temperatures moderate

San Lorenzo Valley (Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Felton)

Mountain gardeners will find chives more reliable than many other herbs. They handle frost, tolerate the variable conditions of mountain microclimates, and grow in partial shade.

Mountain tips:

  • Full sun to partial shade both work

  • Excellent choice for shaded areas where Mediterranean herbs struggle

  • May die back after hard frosts but will regrow from roots in spring

Under the Redwoods

One of chives' great strengths is their tolerance of partial shade. While most herbs need full sun, chives produce respectably even in dappled light, making them one of the best herb choices for shaded Santa Cruz gardens.

Redwood shade tips:

  • 4 to 6 hours of sunlight is sufficient (less than most herbs need)

  • Won't be as productive as full-sun plants, but will grow

  • The onion scent may help deter some of the slugs that thrive in moist, shaded conditions

For more on gardening in different areas, see Navigating Santa Cruz County's Microclimates.

When to Plant Chives in Santa Cruz

Chives can be planted almost any time in Santa Cruz County, but some seasons give better results than others.

Best Planting Times

Fall (September through November): Ideal timing. Fall planting allows roots to establish during cool, moist weather. Plants will be well-rooted and productive by the following spring.

Early Spring (February through April): Good second choice. Plant after the coldest weather passes. Spring-planted chives will produce some harvest their first year but hit their stride in year two.

Any time (with irrigation): Honestly, chives are forgiving enough that you can plant them whenever you find them at the nursery. Just provide regular water until established.

Avoid Planting

Mid-summer (July through August): Hot weather and dry soil stress new transplants. If you must plant in summer, choose a partially shaded spot and water consistently until roots establish.

How to Plant Chives

Chives grow easily from seeds, starts, or divisions. Here's how to succeed with each method.

From Nursery Starts (Easiest)

Most Santa Cruz nurseries carry chive starts, especially in spring. This is the fastest way to a producing plant.

  1. Choose healthy plants with upright green leaves (avoid yellowing or wilting)

  2. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball

  3. Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot

  4. Water well and keep soil moist for the first few weeks

  5. Begin light harvesting once new growth appears (usually 2 to 3 weeks)

Where to buy: San Lorenzo Garden Center, Scarborough Gardens, Dig Gardens, Mountain Feed & Farm Supply, and local farmers markets all carry herb starts seasonally.

From Seed

Growing chives from seed is easy but requires patience. Seeds are slow to germinate (2 to 3 weeks) and plants take several months to reach harvestable size.

  1. Sow seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your target transplant date, or direct sow outdoors in early spring

  2. Barely cover seeds with soil (they need some light to germinate)

  3. Keep soil consistently moist until germination

  4. Thin seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart once they have several leaves

  5. Transplant to final location when plants are 4 to 6 inches tall

Seed sources: Renee's Garden Seeds (based in Felton), Botanical Interests, and Kitazawa Seed Company (for garlic chives and Asian varieties).

From Divisions

If you know someone with established chives, divisions are free and establish quickly. Chives should be divided every 3 to 4 years anyway to maintain vigor, so gardeners are often happy to share.

  1. Dig up a clump of established chives in spring or fall

  2. Separate into smaller sections (each should have roots and several leaf shoots)

  3. Replant divisions immediately at the same depth

  4. Water well and keep moist until new growth appears

Where to Plant Chives

In the Ground

Chives aren't fussy about soil but perform best with:

  • Well-drained soil (not waterlogged)

  • Moderate fertility (no need for rich soil)

  • pH between 6.0 and 7.0 (most Santa Cruz soils work fine)

Spacing: Plant individual starts 6 to 8 inches apart. Clumps will expand to fill gaps within a year or two.

In Containers

Chives make excellent container plants. Their compact growth, attractive foliage, and purple flowers look great on patios, balconies, or kitchen windowsills.

Container tips:

  • Use at least a 6-inch pot for a single clump (larger is better)

  • Ensure drainage holes

  • Use quality potting mix

  • Water when top inch of soil is dry

  • Containers dry out faster than garden soil; check moisture regularly

As Edging and Borders

Chives' neat, clumping growth habit makes them ideal for edging vegetable beds, herb gardens, and pathways. The spring flowers add ornamental appeal while the onion scent helps confuse pests.

Caring for Chives

Chives are remarkably low-maintenance, but a little attention maximizes their productivity.

Watering

Chives prefer consistent moisture but tolerate some drought once established. They're more forgiving than most herbs about irregular watering.

Watering guidelines:

  • Keep soil evenly moist for newly planted chives

  • Established plants can go longer between waterings

  • Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry

  • Mulch helps retain moisture during dry summers

  • Wilting leaves indicate underwatering; yellowing may indicate overwatering

For complete watering guidance, see The Complete Guide to Watering Your Garden in Santa Cruz County.

Fertilizing

Chives don't need much fertilizer. Overfertilizing produces lush growth with diluted flavor.

Fertilizing guidelines:

  • A light application of compost in spring is usually sufficient

  • If growth seems slow or leaves are pale, apply a balanced organic fertilizer at half strength

  • Container chives may need more regular feeding since nutrients leach with watering

Pruning and Deadheading

Regular harvesting is the best "pruning" for chives, encouraging fresh, tender growth. Beyond that:

After flowering: Cut flower stalks at the base once blooms fade to redirect energy to leaf production. Alternatively, leave some flowers to attract pollinators and produce seeds (for common chives) or remove all flowers to prevent self-seeding (especially important for garlic chives).

End of season: In mountain areas where chives die back in winter, cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges.

Dividing

Chives benefit from division every 3 to 4 years. Without division, clumps become crowded, less productive, and may die out in the center.

Signs it's time to divide:

  • Reduced production from a mature clump

  • Dead or dying center with growth only at edges

  • Crowded, congested appearance

How to divide:

  1. Dig up the entire clump in spring or fall

  2. Shake off excess soil

  3. Pull or cut apart into smaller sections (each with roots and shoots)

  4. Replant divisions immediately

  5. Share extras with gardening friends

Harvesting Chives

One of chives' best features is the long harvest season. In Santa Cruz County, you can harvest chives nearly year-round with proper technique.

Harvesting Leaves

When to start: Begin harvesting once plants are 6 inches tall and well-established (usually 60 days from seed, 30 days from transplants).

How to harvest:

  • Use scissors or a sharp knife

  • Cut leaves about 2 inches above soil level (leaving this stub allows regrowth)

  • Harvest from the outside of the clump, working inward

  • Take up to one-third of the plant at a time

  • Regular harvesting encourages fresh, tender growth

Harvest frequency: In peak growing season (spring and fall in Santa Cruz), you can harvest every 2 to 3 weeks. Growth slows in summer heat and winter cold, so harvest less frequently during those times.

Harvesting Flowers

Chive flowers are edible with a mild onion flavor. They make beautiful garnishes and can be separated into individual florets for salads.

When to harvest flowers:

  • Pick when flowers are fully open but before they start to fade

  • Morning harvest captures best flavor

  • Use immediately or refrigerate for a day or two

Flower uses:

  • Whole flower heads as garnishes

  • Individual florets scattered on salads

  • Chive blossom vinegar (steep flowers in white wine vinegar)

Preserving Chives

Fresh chives have the best flavor, but you can preserve excess harvest:

Freezing (best method):

  • Chop chives into small pieces

  • Spread on a baking sheet and freeze

  • Transfer frozen pieces to an airtight container

  • Use directly from freezer (no need to thaw)

Alternatively:

  • Freeze chopped chives in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil

  • Pop out cubes as needed for cooking

Drying (not recommended): Dried chives lose most of their flavor. If you must dry them, use the lowest setting on a dehydrator or oven, but expect diminished results.

Chives as Companion Plants

Chives are garden multitaskers that benefit neighboring vegetables in several ways. According to research documented by Oregon State University Extension, alliums like chives can help deter certain pests through their sulfur compounds.

Pest-Deterring Properties

The mild onion scent of chives helps mask the smell of vegetables that pests locate by scent. While chives won't create an impenetrable pest barrier, they contribute to a confusing aromatic environment that makes it harder for pests to find their targets.

Pests chives may help deter:

  • Aphids

  • Japanese beetles

  • Carrot rust fly

  • Some species of mites

Best Companion Plantings

Plant chives near:

  • Carrots: Chives may help deter carrot rust fly and aphids

  • Tomatoes: The onion scent can confuse some tomato pests; some gardeners believe chives improve tomato flavor (though this is anecdotal)

  • Roses: Traditional companion for deterring aphids and black spot

  • Fruit trees: Plant in a ring around apple trees to help deter apple scab

  • Strawberries: Compatible companions; chives don't compete aggressively

Avoid planting chives near:

  • Beans and peas: Alliums may inhibit the growth of legumes

  • Asparagus: Some sources suggest alliums can stunt asparagus growth

For more companion planting information, see our Companion Planting Guide.

Using Chives Throughout the Garden

Rather than confining chives to the herb garden, consider planting small clumps throughout your vegetable beds. The flowers attract beneficial insects, the scent helps confuse pests, and you'll always have chives within reach when harvesting vegetables.

Chives Quick Reference
Growing Requirements at a Glance for Santa Cruz County
Basic Information
Botanical Name Allium schoenoprasum (common chives)
Allium tuberosum (garlic chives)
Plant Type Hardy perennial (returns year after year)
USDA Zones 3-9 (all Santa Cruz microclimates ✓)
Mature Size Common: 6-12" tall | Garlic: 12-18" tall
Growing Conditions
Sun Needs Full sun Partial shade
More flexible than most herbs (4-8 hours sun)
Water Needs Medium - Keep soil evenly moist
More drought-tolerant once established
Soil Well-drained, average fertility
pH 6.0-7.0 (most SC soils work fine)
Frost Tolerance Hardy Survives frost; may die back in mountains but regrows
Planting & Timing
Best Planting Time Fall (Sept-Nov) = Ideal
Spring (Feb-Apr) = Good
Can plant anytime with adequate water
Start From Nursery starts Seeds Divisions
Starts are fastest; seeds take 2-3 weeks to germinate
Spacing 6-8 inches apart (clumps will expand)
Days to Harvest ~60 days from seed | ~30 days from transplants
Harvesting
How to Harvest Cut leaves 2" above soil level with scissors
Take up to 1/3 of plant at a time
Harvest Frequency Every 2-3 weeks during active growth
Year-round in Santa Cruz (slows in winter/summer extremes)
Flowers Edible? Yes! Mild onion flavor - great for garnishes & salads
🔧 Maintenance
Fertilizing Light - compost in spring is usually enough
Dividing Every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
Best done in spring or fall
Common Issues Rust (remove affected leaves)
Slugs (in foggy areas)
Generally very trouble-free!
Companion Planting
Plant Near Carrots Tomatoes Roses Strawberries Fruit trees
Keep Away From Beans Peas (alliums may inhibit legume growth)
Santa Cruz Tip: Chives are one of the few herbs that thrive in partial shade, making them ideal for gardens under fruit trees or along the north side of beds. Scatter small clumps throughout your vegetable garden for pest-deterring benefits and easy access while harvesting.
Based on: UC ANR, Oregon State Extension

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Chives are remarkably trouble-free, but occasional issues arise.

Yellowing Leaves

Possible causes:

  • Overwatering: Chives prefer moist but not waterlogged soil. Improve drainage or reduce watering.

  • Underwatering: Less common, but drought-stressed chives may yellow before wilting.

  • Nutrient deficiency: If soil is very poor, apply a balanced organic fertilizer.

  • Natural aging: Outer leaves yellow naturally; harvest them to encourage fresh growth.

Rust (Orange Spots on Leaves)

Rust is a fungal disease that occasionally affects chives, appearing as orange-brown spots or pustules on leaves.

Management:

  • Remove and destroy affected leaves (don't compost them)

  • Improve air circulation around plants

  • Avoid overhead watering

  • If severe, cut entire plant back to 2 inches and allow regrowth

Onion Thrips

Tiny insects that can damage chive leaves, causing silvery streaks or distorted growth.

Management:

  • Spray with water to dislodge thrips

  • Insecticidal soap for severe infestations

  • Encourage beneficial insects that prey on thrips

No Flowers

If your chives don't flower, they may be:

  • Too young (first-year plants may not bloom)

  • Growing in too much shade

  • Being harvested too heavily (constant cutting prevents flower formation)

  • Crowded and in need of division

If you want flowers, stop harvesting one clump in early spring and let it grow uncut until it blooms.

Gophers

Interestingly, gophers generally avoid alliums including chives. Some gardeners plant chives around the edges of beds or near particularly vulnerable plants in hopes of deterring gopher activity. While this isn't a guaranteed solution, it's one of chives' potential benefits in gopher-prone Santa Cruz gardens. For more on gopher management, see The Ultimate Guide to Gopher Control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chives easy to grow in Santa Cruz?

Yes, chives are among the easiest herbs for Santa Cruz gardens. They tolerate all local microclimates, from coastal fog to inland heat to partial shade under redwoods. They're more forgiving than most herbs about soil, water, and light conditions.

What's the difference between common chives and garlic chives?

Common chives have hollow, tubular leaves with mild onion flavor and purple flowers. Garlic chives have flat, solid leaves with mild garlic flavor and white flowers. Garlic chives also spread more aggressively by self-seeding.

When should I plant chives in Santa Cruz?

Fall (September through November) is ideal because roots establish during cool, wet weather. Early spring (February through April) is also good. Chives are forgiving enough to plant almost any time with adequate water.

Can chives grow in shade?

Yes, chives tolerate partial shade better than most herbs. They won't be as productive as in full sun, but they'll grow with 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. This makes them one of the best herbs for shaded Santa Cruz gardens.

How often should I harvest chives?

During peak growing season (spring and fall), harvest every 2 to 3 weeks. Cut leaves about 2 inches above soil level, taking up to one-third of the plant. Regular harvesting encourages fresh, tender growth.

Are chive flowers edible?

Yes, chive flowers have a mild onion flavor and are completely edible. Use whole flower heads as garnishes, separate into individual florets for salads, or steep in vinegar for chive blossom vinegar.

Do chives come back every year?

Yes, chives are hardy perennials that return year after year. In Santa Cruz's mild climate, they often remain productive through winter without dying back completely. Divide clumps every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor.

Will chives deter pests in my garden?

Chives' onion scent can help mask vegetables from pests that locate plants by smell. They're traditionally planted near carrots, tomatoes, and roses to help deter aphids and other pests. While not a guaranteed pest solution, they contribute to a confusing aromatic environment.

Downloadable Guides

These free PDF guides support your herb-growing success:

Local Resources

Final Thoughts

Chives are the herb garden equivalent of a reliable friend: always there when you need them, never demanding, and consistently useful. A single clump provides years of harvests with almost no effort, and the purple spring flowers are a bonus that benefits both your garden's appearance and its pollinators.

If you're new to herb gardening, start with chives. They're nearly impossible to kill, they thrive in every Santa Cruz microclimate, and they'll make you feel like a successful gardener while you learn the basics. If you're an experienced gardener, make sure you have chives scattered throughout your vegetable beds where they can do double duty as culinary herbs and companion plants.

Either way, you'll wonder why you didn't plant more of them sooner.

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